Tag: Four

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings on March 16 Council agenda

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will hold two public hearings, set four more, and be asked to approve donating a surplus fire engine to Ukraine during their March 16 regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall.

The Council will conduct a public hearing on declaring city owned property at the intersection of Houser and Hershey as surplus and then authorizing the sale of the property through a sealed bid process. A resolution on the matter will be voted on later in the meeting.

The second public hearing is on the plans and specifications for Phase 1 of the Fulliam Avenue Reconstruction Project. The project divides the reconstruction into three phases with each phase accomplished in the two months between the end of the school year and the beginning of the next. A resolution on the matter will be voted on later in the meeting.

Four public hearings will be scheduled by resolutions including the rescheduling of a public hearing on the plans and specifications for West Hill Sewer Separation Phase 6. That public hearing was scheduled for Thursday but delayed as the final plans were not completed in time. That public hearing will now be held on April 6.

Two other public hearings will be scheduled for April 6 pending resolution approval by Council on Thursday including one of the maximum tax levy for the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget. All cities in Iowa are required by the State to pass a resolution establishing their maximum property tax dollars for certain levies prior to adoption and certification of the final budget. Per State requirements, the Notice of Public Hearing for the 1st public hearing on the budget only includes the General, Transit, Tort Liability/Insurance, Emergency, and Employee Benefits levies.

The other on the 2024 Consolidated Funding Application and Public Transit Infrastructure Grant Application. MuscaBus applies annually to the Iowa Department of Transportation for Federal (FTA) and State (STA) funding to financially support our transit system. This funding is to help with operating expenses and capital expenses for new bus purchases. The Public Transit Infrastructure Grant (PTIG) is facilitated by Iowa’s State Transit Assistance (STA).

A public hearing will also be set for May 4 on the 2024 Annual Plan and Amendments to the Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan. Under federal regulations each public housing authority must submit an annual plan not less than 75 days prior to the start of the agency’s fiscal year. The MMHA must submit the annual plan, including a budget, annual goals, and proposed policy changes, no later than May 15.

The City Council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. or shortly thereafter depending on the length of the budget meeting. The public is welcomed to attend the both meetings in person but public comments on the proposed budget will not be heard until the April 6 public hearing.

Citizens who do not want to attend the in-depth meeting in person can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the virtual session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below.

The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Civic- TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).

Information on the other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments.

On-Line Participation

To view or participate virtually, click on the link below or call in to the GoToMeeting. Be sure to mute your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on GoToMeeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member. Those wishing to speak should use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, March 16, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting

You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Continue reading “Two public hearings on March 16 Council agenda”
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Contracts to demolish four structures on Council agenda

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council is expected to approve the demolition of four structures as the City of Muscatine continues to work on removing unsafe structures that are a hazard to public safety and return the parcel to a state that can be redeveloped, if possible, and returned to the tax rolls.

The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall. The public is welcomed to attend the meeting in person. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the virtual session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below. 

The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Civic-TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).

Contracts to demolish structures at 613 W. 5th Street, 1244 Dale Street, 1805 Bryan Avenue, and 1207 Cedar Street will be awarded upon approval of the resolutions by the City Council Thursday. 

The Council will also be asked to approve a contract for the rehabilitation of underground pipes with Insituform Technologies, LLC, of Chesterfield, Missouri. The cured-in-place project is anticipated to save the City hundreds of thousands of dollars by using liners to repair eight sections of sewer pipe instead of digging up and replacing the pipes.

Also on the agenda is a request to enter into a professional services agreement with Bolton & Menk for a preliminary design of a roundabout at Green, Hershey, and Grandview (Carver Corner). The City Council gave consensus for the roundabout at the January 12 in-depth meeting. The preliminary design will assist other design firms working on the other buildings in the vicinity of Carver Corner that may be affected by the construction of a roundabout.

The meeting will begin with the swearing in of Muscatine firefighter John Peters by Mayor Brad Bark. 

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments. 

A special City Council meeting will be held immediately following the regular meeting as the Council continues listening to FY 23-24 budget presentations from various City departments. On the agenda for Thursday’s session are presentations from four outside agencies seeking funds from the City of Muscatine including the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Senior Resources, the Humane Society, and the Muscatine Center for Social Action (MCSA).

Budget discussions between the City Council and the various City of Muscatine departments will continue at 8 a.m. on February 4 in the City Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall. Discussions will continue on February 7 with a final review on February 8. A complete timetable for the budget discussions can be found by clicking on BUDGET SCHEDULE.

On-Line Participation

To view or participate virtually, click on the link below or call in to the GoToMeeting. Be sure to mute your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on GoToMeeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member. Those wishing to speak should use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, February 2, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting

You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

The link, phone number, and access code are the same for both meetings. You can remain logged on between meetings or exit and re-enter at the appropriate time.
 
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Four presentations on Council’s in-depth agenda

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will hear four presentations at their October In-Depth meeting Thursday (Oct. 13). 

Presentations will be given on the Explorer Program with the Muscatine Fire Department, City of Muscatine Code Enforcement services, an overview of the budget-basis financial statement for FY 2021-2022, and an update on the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds. 

The City Council meets at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa. A virtual session will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting with instructions for joining the virtual session listed below.

Assistant Community Development Director Andrew Fangman will provide the Council with an overview of the Code Enforcement service, and then discuss three areas covered in the Code of the City of Muscatine. Those areas include snow and ice on sidewalks, weed and vegetation management, and nuisances.

That will be followed by two presentations from Finance Director Nancy Lueck. The first will be an overview of the Budget Basis Financial Statement for the year ended June 30, 2022. The second will be an overview of the budgeted uses for the American Rescue Plan Funds received by the City of Muscatine.

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments. 

Thursday’s City Council meeting is open to the public. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below. The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2.

On-Line Participation

To view or participate virtually, click on the link below or call in to the GoToMeeting. Be sure to mute your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on GoToMeeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member. Those wishing to speak should use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, October 13, 2022 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting

You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

The link, phone number, and access code are the same for both meetings. You can remain logged on between meetings or exit and re-enter at the appropriate time.
 
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Continue reading “Four presentations on Council’s in-depth agenda”
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Four presentations on Council In-Depth agenda for Thursday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Four presentations will be given to members of the Muscatine City Council during their May In-Depth Meeting Thursday (May 12) in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

 

There will also be a special meeting called after the in-depth meeting for a public hearing on the Public Housing Annual Plan, a resolution to approve that plan, a resolution setting a public hearing on June 9 on a proposed development agreement with Love’s Travel Shop & Country Stores, Inc., and a resolution setting a public hearing on June 9 on Urban Renewal Plan amendments. A closed session of the Council will be held after the special meeting.

 

A virtual meeting will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting for those who want to view the proceedings or make a comment but do not feel comfortable in attending in person. Details for joining that meeting are listed below. Both the in-depth and special meetings can be seen on the same virtual meeting link.

 

City Administrator Carol Webb will lead the presentation on the results of the 2022 Muscatine Community Survey. The City partnered with NRC/Polco to conduct the survey and provide statistically valid results that are compared with national benchmarks of comparable cities throughout the United States. Click Survey Results to download a PDF version of the survey results.

 

Changes to the City of Muscatine smoking policy will be presented to the Council by Human Resource Manager Stephanie Romagnoli and Parks and Recreation Program Manager Kelsey Stafford. A priority of the Muscatine Healthy Hometown committee and part of the Healthiest State initiative, the change would expand restrictions on smoking in public places to include additional areas of the parks.

 

The third presentation will be by Muscatine Animal Control Officer Courtney Patel on the potential implementation of a Feline Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program to assist with population control of community cats. The purpose of a TNR program is to limit the growth and/or reduce the population of feral/free-roaming cats in the community.

 

The City has undertaken a study of the potential use of ATV/UTV vehicles on city streets following a request from several citizens in the community. Police Captain Anthony Kies will provide the presentation on results of that study and how the City could regulate the vehicles and operators. 

 

Thursday’s City Council meeting is open to the public. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below. The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2.

 

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download the City Council agenda and/or attachments. 

 

The best way for the public to participate virtually is to log on or dial in to the GoToMeeting session, mute your device, watch the session on YouTube or Cable Channel 2. At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on the GoToMeeting virtual meeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member.

 

Please mute your computer or phone while listening to the proceedings (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). A chat window is available when you use your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Those wishing to speak or to ask a question are asked to use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The Mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

 

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, May 12, 2022 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CDT)


 Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting


 You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

 

The link, phone number, and access code are the same for both meetings. You can remain logged on between meetings or exit and re-enter at the appropriate time.
 
 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Continue reading “Four presentations on Council In-Depth agenda for Thursday”
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Four proclamations, one public hearing on Council agenda

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Four proclamations and a public hearing on rezoning property for the expansion of a local business highlight the agenda for the Muscatine City Council on Thursday (May 5) in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

 

A virtual meeting will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting for those who want to view the proceedings or make a comment but do not feel comfortable in attending in person. Details for joining that meeting are listed below. 

 

Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark will issue four proclamations during the opening segment of the Council session Thursday as he recognizes May 11-17 as National Police Week in Muscatine, acknowledges May to be Historic Preservation Month, May 15-21 as National Emergency Medical Services Week, and as National Public Works Week in Muscatine. Bark will also proclaim May 11 as Peace Officer’s Memorial Day.

 

Thursday’s public hearing concerns rezoning a 17.4 parcel in the 1900 block of Stewart Road. Musco Lighting is planning to expand their current manufacturing operations onto the parcel. The request from Musco Lighting was unanimously approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and now goes before Council for approval.

 

The Council will also hear the second reading of an ordinance concerning cargo container regulations, and an ordinance amending the weeds and vegetation management regulations. If approved, the third reading will be held on May 19.

 

The third and final reading of an ordinance on vacant property and non-residential property maintenance regulations, and an ordinance striking the striking the keeping of pit bull chapter from City Code will also be heard Thursday. If approved, the ordinances will be submitted for publication before becoming official. 

 

Thursday’s City Council meeting is open to the public. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below. The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2.

 

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download the City Council agenda and/or attachments. 

 

The best way for the public to participate virtually is to log on or dial in to the GoToMeeting session, mute your device, watch the session on YouTube or Cable Channel 2. At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on the GoToMeeting virtual meeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member.

 

Please mute your computer or phone while listening to the proceedings (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). A chat window is available when you use your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Those wishing to speak or to ask a question are asked to use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The Mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

 

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, May 5, 2022 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CDT)


Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting


You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

 

The link, phone number, and access code are the same for both meetings. You can remain logged on between meetings or exit and re-enter at the appropriate time.
 
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Continue reading “Four proclamations, one public hearing on Council agenda”
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Downtown assessment underway; public meeting Thursday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Downtown development in Muscatine will be the focus of four downtown revitalization specialists from the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center this week as they tour the city and meet with residents and business owners. 

 

The City of Muscatine and the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry have teamed up to coordinate the Downtown Assessment scheduled Tuesday through Thursday (May 3-5). The Assessment is an intense, on-site study of the downtown, including a public presentation at the end of the visit and a written report that will help the planning efforts of the City of Muscatine.

 

“The Assessment Visit is a great way for a community to take a step back and get honest feedback from a qualified group of downtown professionals,” Jim Engle, Director of the Iowa Downtown Resource Center, said. “The five-person team will highlight the downtown’s strengths and challenges, and will offer some practical recommendations that the community can implement over time.” 

 

Muscatine’s Assessment team consists of:

  • Carol Lilly, Downtown Development Specialist, Iowa Downtown Resource Center, IEDA
  • Jim Thompson, Downtown Economic Development Specialist, Iowa Downtown Resource Center, IEDA
  • Jeff Geerts, Special Projects Manager, IEDA
  • Tim Reinders, Design consultant
  • Dennis Reynolds, Reynolds Design

 

All four of the IEDA Downtown Revitalization Specialists have worked extensively in all sizes of communities in the Midwest with an emphasis on downtown development. Many communities in Iowa have taken advantage of this service and then went on to execute successful plans and projects. Issues such as downtown aesthetics, business mix and development, organizational refinement, promotion calendars, and building rehabilitation are common themes for the downtown assessment visits.

 

The service started earlier this month with a short pre-visit, and an on-line survey completed by more than 200 residents. While on-site, the team will tour the community and the downtown, hold a public meeting and interview a number of local businesses owners, residents and community groups. 

 

“The visit is always most successful when we have excellent community input,” Engle said. “We encourage Muscatine residents to get involved with the visit in some way. Meet with the assessment team. Attend the public meeting. We encourage you to think about your downtown and come ready to participate.”

 

A public meeting will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday (May 5) at Musser Public Library. All members of the public and media are invited to attend the presentation and ask questions of the assessment team.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Four public hearings on City Council agenda for March 3

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Four public hearings will be held during the first Muscatine City Council meeting of March on Thursday (March 3) including three tied to the City’s next bond issue in May 2022. 

 

A virtual meeting will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting for those who want to view the proceedings or make a comment but do not feel comfortable in attending in person. Details for joining that meeting are listed below.

 

The City’s next bond issue, scheduled for May 2022, will provide funding for a number of City projects that have recently been completed, are currently underway, or will be underway in calendar years 2022 and 2023. These projects and the proposed bond issue were reviewed with the City Council as part of the recent budget sessions. 

 

The bond issue is estimated at $6,200,000 with $6,090,000 for project costs and $110,000 for estimated bond issuance costs. The projects include those classified as Essential Corporate Purposes including the Park Avenue improvements, the Grandview Avenue Reconstruction project, Park improvements, Building Demolition projects, Flood Damage repairs, Transfer Station Tipping Floor Restoration, the Public Safety Telephone System upgrade, and purchases of a new fire engine and two ambulances for the Fire Department. 

 

General Corporate Purpose projects include the purchase of the former Kum and Go property, Aquatic Center repairs, Deferred Building Maintenance projects, and the City portion of the new Vehicle Wash Bay. 

 

The public hearings will be held prior to the City Council taking action on the attached resolution.

 

The first public hearing will be on the maximum tax levy for the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 budget. Only the General, Transit, Tort Liability/Insurance, Emergency, and Employee benefits levies are included. The FY 22/23 budget will see an increase of $395,583 from these levies (3.95%) but actual tax bills will be lower due to an increase in taxable valuations and state rollbacks.

 

The Council will also set a public hearing for the FY 2022/2023 budget. That hearing is tentatively scheduled for March 17 with the City budget due in the hands of the Muscatine County auditor by March 31.

 

Thursday’s City Council meeting is open to the public. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below. The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2.

 

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download the March 3, 2022, City Council agenda and/or attachments.

 

The best way for the public to participate is to dial in to the GoToMeeting session, mute your device, watch the session on YouTube or Cable Channel 2, and, at the appropriate time, unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on the GoToMeeting virtual meeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member.

 

Muscatine City Council Regular Meeting | Thu, Mar. 3, 2022 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CDT) 
 
Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting


You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.
 
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

 

Please mute your computer or phone while listening to the proceedings (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). A chat window is available when you use your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Those wishing to speak or to ask a question are asked to use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The Mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

Continue reading “Four public hearings on City Council agenda for March 3”